In The Bedroom cover art

In The Bedroom Details

2001 Certificate 15
  • Rated:
  • 60
  • from 4769 members

Todd Field's IN THE BEDROOM is an artistic and realistic portrait of domestic trouble in small-town America. Sissy Spacek and Tom Wilkinson star as Ruth and Matt Fowler, the parents of a recent high school graduate, Frank (Nick Stahl), who has an affair with a married woman, Natalie (Marisa Tomei). A tragic event near the .. Read more

Starring Sissy Spacek, Tom Wilkinson, Nick Stahl, Marisa Tomei
Director Todd Field
Genres Drama

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In The Bedroom

Todd Field's IN THE BEDROOM is an artistic and realistic portrait of domestic trouble in small-town America. Sissy Spacek and Tom Wilkinson star as Ruth and Matt Fowler, the parents of a recent high school graduate, Frank (Nick Stahl), who has an affair with a married woman, Natalie (Marisa Tomei). A tragic event near the beginning of the film seems to stunt its action and dialogue, allowing the film to change into a largely visual piece based on memories, feelings, and silent communication; while the film's slow-moving camera, soft sunny lighting, and cautious pacing give it a resonating intensity.
Set in coastal Maine, the Fowlers are a well-liked family with simple, straightforward values. Dr. Fowler has his own small medical practice. Mrs. Fowler directs the chorus at the high school. Frank is a good kid who is working on the fishing docks for the summer, waiting for college in the fall. Frank falls into a summer romance with Natalie, an older woman with two young sons and a creepy, lurking husband (William Mapother) from whom she is separated. The relationship is worrisome to Mr. and Mrs. Fowler, but they want to be supportive of their son so they gently nudge him to think about the bigger picture, without being overbearing. But when the unthinkable happens, Mr. and Mrs. Fowler come face to face with their worst nightmare. Quietly, calmly, and with the most logic they can muster, they begin a dark and dangerous psychological journey. The result, reinforced by stunning performances from Wilkinson and Spacek, is a pensive, penetrating, and utterly believable story.

Starring Sissy Spacek, Tom Wilkinson, Nick Stahl, Marisa Tomei, William Wise, Celia Weston, Karen Allen, William Mapother
Director Todd Field
Studio WALT DISNEY STUDIOS HOME ENTERTAINMENT
Run time DVD: 2 hrs 6 mins
Certificate Certificate 15
Genres Drama
Language DVD: English
Hearing-impaired English
Subtitles DVD: English
Released DVD: 22 Jul 2002
Production year: 2001
Format DVD
  • Critics' reviews (2) of In The Bedroom

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  • 4 stars out of 5

    This is a film about grief that touches the heart and leaves a deep and lasting impression. Tom Wilkinson and Golden Globe winner Sissy Spacek are both excellent as the parents swamped by moral and psychological trauma after the murder of their son. Trapped in a claustrophobic community, they live in close proximity to their child's killer — and the woman whose involvement with their son indirectly led to his death — and their intense grief and outrage pushes them to breaking point. The movie's measured pace and elegance of observation are testaments to the astounding confidence of actor/director Todd Field, whose handling of the delicately balanced material makes his feature debut a rare find. In the Bedroom doesn't make for easy viewing, but it is a profound and rewarding experience.

    • Radio Times
  • 2 stars out of 4

    Compelling drama of marital tensions at breaking point, of parents who have invested their future in their only child; but the violent ending vitiates all that has gone before.

    • Halliwell's Film Guide
  • Most helpful member's review of In The Bedroom

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  • 19 out of 20 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 4 stars

    Family life has it's ups and downs...

    This highly emotional drama follows the life of Dr and Mrs Fowler and their son Frank (Stahl), back from his first year at college.

    Frank is in love with Natalie (Tomei) and seems happy playing surrogate father to her two children. Their real father (Mapothor), has other ideas, and a final argument between the three of them ends with tragic consequences.

    This is not a hollywood epic blockbuster, nor does it try to be. If you have a short concentration span, and like your films full of gritty action and special effects, this is perhaps not one for you.

    If, however, you can handle the emotional ride, and appreciate beautiful filming and direction, with outstanding performances from all of the cast, this will do nicely.

      • J Crooks from Manchester
  • Most recent members' review of In The Bedroom

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  • 6 out of 6 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 3 stars

    Interesting Portrait Piece

    Good story line. Great characterisation especially from Tom Wilkinson (a genius convincing portayal as always) & Sissy Spacek (whose ethereal quality has only has only improved with time).

      • racheblue from London
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    • Todd Field's IN THE BEDROOM is an artistic and realistic portrait of domestic trouble in small-town America. Sissy Spacek and Tom Wilkinson star as Ruth and Matt Fowler, the parents of a recent high ...